Mark Viduka will begin his pre-season early after being named in the Australia squad to face arch rivals New Zealand next month.

The Aussie hitman's call-up comes on the day that fellow Boro striker Szilard Nemeth surprisingly turned down a £1m move to big-spending Russian side CSKA Moscow.

While Viduka will be hoping to use the match with New Zealand and the Confederations Cup in Germany to re-ignite his Boro career, Nemeth's days on Teesside appear to be numbered. With eight strikers on the books, Boro are understood to have accepted the Russians' bid for the 27-year-old, but Nemeth has rejected the chance to join the 2005 UEFA Cup winners.

Meanwhile Viduka's inclusion - alongside team-mate Mark Schwarzer - in the 22-man Australia squad could be a huge boost for Boro as he should return to Teesside sharp and ready for action.

"Mark has worked very hard to get himself fit," said Socceroos supremo Frank Farina

"He is a vital part of our team and so if he is fit then I'll definitely select him.

"Our medical staff have been monitoring him and he has made very good progress."

Boro boss Steve McClaren this week gave his full backing to the £4.5m forward joining the Aussie set-up for the summer tournament with starts in Germany on June 15.